London, 24 June 2010 - Migratory species such as turtles and whales are exceptionally vulnerable to climate change, according to preliminary findings from a forthcoming United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report;Climate Change Vulnerability of Migratory Species.

These preliminary findings and the actions that need to be taken to avert disaster for migratory species will be discussed today in a series of talks at the launch of a new book by journalist, environmentalist and CMS ambassador Stanley Johnson and co-author Robert Vagg.

Survival: Saving Endangered Migratory Species,, published by Stacey International, is an account of the status of the world's migratory species and the threats facing them.

Research by the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) for UNEP's Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (UNEP/CMS) shows that even the subtle changes in environmental conditions that could be caused by climate change could have catastrophic consequences for animals that migrate.

CMS Executive Secretary Elizabeth Maruma Mrema said: "Migratory species are particularly threatened by climate change as they depend on different habitats to breed, feed and rest. The findings from the report will facilitate the Convention's response to assist migratory species in adapting to climate change at a global level."

Among those species that could be affected are loggerhead turtles, which frequently migrate through British waters. Risks to them include the loss of suitable beaches for nesting due to sea-level rise, and a rise in temperature that could cause whole populations to be feminized, eradicating males from the species.

Green turtles, hawksbill turtles and leatherback turtles are also identified as species at high risk from climate change, along with the blue whale, West African manatee and giant catfish.

ZSL Project Manager, Aylin McNamara, who led the research for UNEP/CMS, said: "Increasing temperatures, changes in precipitation, sea level rise, ocean acidification, changes in ocean currents and extreme weather events will all affect migratory species populations.

"The need for international efforts is imperative to support species conservation across national borders and to combat climate change."

She added: "These vulnerability assessments show us the likely order in which these species will become extinct. This is because under the current 'business as usual' emissions path it's hard to see how any of these species will be able to survive. I'm afraid that's how serious the situation is."

Meanwhile, author of Survival: Saving Endangered Migratory Species, Stanley Johnson announced, "I have been privileged to have been able to serve as an honorary Ambassador for the CMS for the last five years. The CMS does vital work to protect endangered migratory species. Robert Vagg, the book's co-author, and I are donating all our authors' royalties to the UNEP-CMS to help in this important task".

They will be joined by Elizabeth Maruma Mrema, and Paul Pearce-Kelly, the senior curator at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) leading on climate change issues for the Society.

Notes to Editors:

Zoological Society of London (ZSL)

Founded in 1826, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is an international scientific, conservation and educational charity whose key role is the conservation of animals and their habitats. The Society runs ZSL London Zoo and ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, carries out scientific research at the Institute of Zoology and is actively involved in field conservation overseas. For further information please visit www.zsl.org

Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS)

The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) is an intergovernmental treaty concluded under the United Nations Environment Programme and focusing on the conservation of a wide array of endangered migratory animals and their habitats worldwide through the negotiation and implementation of agreements and species action plans. With currently 113 member countries CMS is a fast-growing convention with special importance due to its expertise in the field of migratory species. CMS provides a framework for global adaptation and mitigation to save migratory species, and facilitates implementation in over 140 countries. Key components include identifying particularly threatened habitats and species, and initiating emergency response. For further information please visit www.cms.int